Comprehensive Plan

On November 9, 2015, the Town Council adopted the Updated Comprehensive Plan. The Updated Plan consists of Volumes 1 (Inventories and Analyses) and 2 (Policies, Actions and Implementation), as well as the previously adopted Forestry and Agriculture District Addendum (Volume 3).

Low Density Residential District Review

As requested by the Town Council, the Comprehensive Plan Committee reviewed the purpose, uses, and boundaries of the Low Density Residential District, which was a new zoning district created in 2009-2010 as recommended in the Forestry and Agriculture Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan. The Committee conducted a public hearing on its draft report to the Council on January 14, 2015 and submitted the report to the Town Council in February 2015. The Town Council in conducting its review of the recommendations (contact Town Manager's office for dates). The draft report (PDF) can be downloaded.

Meetings

The Town Council held a public on the Updated Comprehensive Plan on October 19, 2015, at 7 p.m. prior to acting on and approving the plan on November 9, 2015.

As it prepared the update the Comprehensive Plan, the Comprehensive Plan Committee conducted five public forums and its own public hearing.

Public Hearing

The Comprehensive Plan Committee held a Public Hearing on Thursday, May 29, 2014, on the proposed update of the Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee's fifth Public Forum was held on March 27, 2014, Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 59 Main Street. The focus was on revised land use policies as well as transportation and utilities, recreation, natural resources, and municipal services. More than 50 residents attended and offered valuable advice to the Committee. This and the earlier forums have led to proposed policies and actions affecting student housing and neighborhoods, affordable home ownership, downtown development, entrepreneurial development, home occupations, and other matters.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee's November 12, 2013, forum on Housing, Economy and Growth Area Land Use Policies and Actions was well attended and energetic, with many good insights and suggestions. Notes from the forum can be accessed online (PDF).

The Comprehensive Plan Committee public forums on April 24 and June 12, 2013, where more than 60 citizens delved into priority issues and opportunities and rated their urgency. A summary of key issues (PDF), including ten "overarching" issues is online, along with a summary (PDF) of how participants rated their seriousness or importance.